Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
As The Philippines’ elects a new president, its economy is showing signs of recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, growing 5.6 per cent year-on-year last year, and exports rising at their fastest pace in five months in January. With lockdown restrictions having been gradually lifted across the country, growth is expected to accelerate. The Philippines’ economy is forecasted to grow six per cent this year, and expand by 6.3 per cent in 2023.
The Philippines has been active in pursuing several trade deals in recent years, including a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates. It is also a signatory of the world’s largest free trade deal, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is expected to contribute to real GDP growth and improve the country’s trade balance. The Senate, however, has yet to ratify the agreement, and with the results of the presidential election expected on 10 May, The Philippines’ ratification of RCEP will be in the hands of the next government.
To discuss The Philippines’ international trade strategy in the post-pandemic recovery period, Asia House will welcome Philippines’ Assistant Secretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy, Allan Gepty for an exclusive briefing with Asia House Corporate Members on Wednesday 11 May.
The country’s lead negotiator for RCEP, Gepty will share updates on The Philippines’ priorities and progress in bilateral and multilateral trade deals. He will also update Corporate Members on The Philippines’ industrial strategy as it continues its recovery.
As the Assistant Secretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy at the Department of Trade and Industry, Gepty’s main portfolio is international trade policy and trade negotiations at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels for The Philippines government. Gepty was The Philippines’ lead negotiator in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement and also the country’s Senior Economic Official at the ASEAN. He was a former Deputy Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office of The Philippines and Commissioner of the Philippine Tariff Commission. He is a lawyer with experience in the field of litigation, commercial law, international trade, and intellectual property.
This briefing is being convened for Asia House Corporate Members. To register interest, please email Edward Danks, Programme Associate: edward.danks@asiahouse.co.uk
